Homaloptera ogilviei (Ogilvie’s Lizard Hillstream Loach)

IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated

Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution.

Homaloptera ogilviei (“Ogilvie’s Lizard Hillstream Loach”)

Homaloptera ogilviei is a slender, fast-water loach native to clear, oxygen-rich hillstreams of Borneo and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia. Unlike the more commonly seen “butterfly” hillstream loaches, this species has a streamlined, lizard-like body built for clinging to rocks in strong current rather than flattening against surfaces. In the wild, they inhabit shallow, rocky streams with cool, highly oxygenated water and constant flow. Their cryptic brown and tan patterning provides camouflage among stones and leaf litter. This species requires specialized conditions and is not suitable for typical low-flow community aquariums.

Size:
Adults reach approximately 5–6 cm (≈ 2–2.5″) total length.

Water parameters:
Clean, well-oxygenated water with strong flow is essential.
pH 6.0 – 7.5
GH 2 – 8 °d
KH 1 – 5 °d
TDS 80 – 200 ppm
High dissolved oxygen levels and consistent current are critical. Use powerheads or river-style setups with smooth stones and rockwork.

Temperature:
20 – 25 °C (68 – 77 °F); cooler temperatures are preferred. Avoid prolonged exposure above 26 °C (79 °F).

Food:
Omnivorous with a preference for small invertebrates. Feed live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Will also graze on biofilm and accept sinking micro pellets or wafers once acclimated.
Do not rely solely on algae — they require protein-rich foods.

Important note:
This species is highly sensitive to low oxygen, high temperatures, and poor water quality. A mature, high-flow river-style aquarium is strongly recommended before introduction. They do not thrive in stagnant or warm tropical community tanks. Tight-fitting lids are recommended, as they can climb glass and explore flow outlets.

Tankmates:
Best kept with other peaceful, current-loving species such as small danios, Devario, or other hillstream loaches with similar requirements.
Avoid slow, long-finned fish that prefer calm water.
Can be kept in small groups, but provide ample hiding spaces among rocks to reduce competition.

Breeding:
Breeding in aquaria is rare and not well documented. In the wild, they are believed to spawn among rocks and gravel in fast-flowing streams.
Due to limited captive breeding data, most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught.

Providing strong current, pristine water quality, and high oxygen levels is non-negotiable for long-term success with this species.